Medical Surveillance Monthly Report (MSMR). Volume 12, Number 1, January/February 2006
Abstract
Malaria is a mosquito-transmitted parasitic disease that is endemic throughout the tropics and in some temperate regions. Malaria accounts for as many as 300 million acute illnesses and more than 1 million deaths each year worldwide. Four Plasmodium species are capable of infecting humans and causing malaria: Plasmodium falciparum (the most deadly), Plasmodium vivax (the most common), Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium malariae. Throughout history, malaria has been a disease of military operational importance. Currently, U.S. service members are at risk of malaria when they are permanently assigned to endemic areas (e.g., near the Demilitarized Zone [DMZ] in Korea4-7); when they participate in training or military operations in endemic areas; or when they visit malarious areas during personal travels. Since 2001, malaria (particularly P. vivax) has threatened U.S. military forces that conduct/support operations in Central Asia and the Middle East. For example, in 2002, 38 U.S. Army Rangers acquired vivax malaria while operating in eastern Afghanistan. This report summarizes the malaria experiences of U.S. soldiers during calendar year 2005 and compares it to recent experience.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA496333
Entities
Organizations
- Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center